The 2017-18 academic and athletic year takes off with ULM’s The Pursuit, Thursday Aug. 24 at Fant-Ewing Coliseum.

The Pursuit is named for the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk pursuit fighter planes flown by Gen. Claire Lee Chennault and the Flying Tigers in World War II. ULM’s Warhawk mascot was inspired by Chennault and his group of pilots and planes.

“ULM’s The Pursuit is about the excitement of the new year,” said President Nick J. Bruno. “We have new goals and new plans. At The Pursuit we’ll be sharing those with our supporters and the community. I hope everyone will come visit, learn about what’s going on and have a good time.”

The program starts at 6:30 p.m. Speakers include Bruno, who will share his plans for the upcoming year, changes on campus and recent accomplishments; Director of Athletics Nick Floyd with an overview of the 2017-18 sports seasons; Coach Matt Viator on the upcoming football season; and Coach Mike Federico will talk about his vision for the baseball program.